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The home side's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australian side as the tourists swept to a surprisingly comfortable win in the opening Test of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s team had spoken effusively about their drive going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were definitely full of effort at Wembley. However, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Performance from Reece Walsh

Guided by an outstanding showing in attack and defence from club star Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable winners in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning England must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to sustain their aspirations of a first Ashes win since 1970.

England will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two wonderful interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The first came as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback denied Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Walsh himself completed a excellent play.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before adding a two-pointer on the stroke of half-time to establish a two-score advantage. It was a pivotal point, as was the score for Crichton soon after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their drive.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was supported by Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Reece Walsh completed another scintillating attack, taking advantage of a tired and clearly exhausted English defense for his second.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many did not see Clark's late try, which at least avoided England being held to nil. However, there are many issues for Wane to answer going into what is now a must-win match next weekend.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Try: Clark.
• Conversion: Lewis.

• Visitors: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Kicks: Cleary 5.